Chapter 139 Unexpected Revelations
Haley was perplexed. She knew Emily had a weakness for handsome men, and Mr. Robinson was far from fitting that bill. The man was bald, and according to Haley's knowledge of Emily's tastes, that simply didn't add up.
Ivan's gaze on Haley grew colder, and he smoothly shifted the conversation. "How's Angela?" he asked, taking a casual sip of his drink. Since Angela had been whisked away by that woman, there hadn't been a single call, and concern edged his voice.
Haley almost snapped that it was none of his concern, but she remembered Ivan's tenderness with Angela, how he had cared for her the last time they met. Her lips, parted slightly as she reluctantly admitted, "She's fine."
Ivan leaned in, his voice dropping to a confidential murmur. "I know an expert in pediatric autism. Angela's started to speak, which is a sign of progress. We should act on this breakthrough..."
Haley's eyes widened in disbelief. "Angela can talk?"
Ivan looked at her, his expression a mix of surprise and reproach. "You didn't know?"
Her furrowed brow was genuine. "She's never uttered a word since birth."
It seemed she was telling the truth. It was inconceivable that a mother wouldn't know about her child's first words.
Ivan recalled Angela's voice. "Yesterday, she clearly said 'no' when the secretary tried to bathe her. I couldn't have misheard."
Haley's face took on a serious cast. "You're not lying to me?"
"Why would I lie about a child?" Ivan retorted, his tone detached. "There's nothing in it for me."
Haley's fingers clenched, her mind suddenly elsewhere. The banquet lost all appeal, she needed to see Angela.
Ivan continued, "Children with autism often need the right environment and people to open up. It may sound presumptuous, but Angela seems to trust me. That might explain why she spoke."
Haley wanted to object, but something in her halted. Angela did show an unusual attachment to Ivan, a fact Haley couldn't fathom.
"If you trust me," Ivan suggested, "bring Angela to my office tomorrow. We can try to replicate what happened."
With a final clink of glasses, he left, leaving Haley to stare after him, her thoughts in turmoil. This was about Angela, and time was of the essence. She quickly excused herself from the event and hurried out.
Arriving at her villa, Haley was about to enter when a figure burst from the flower bed, startling her. She sidestepped as the figure tumbled to the ground, wailing.
"Haley, why didn't you catch me? It hurts..." the voice cried out.
"Owen?" Haley dropped to his side, concern replacing her shock. "What on earth are you doing here?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
